News

Pasadena Promotes Acting Police Chief

Thu, 12/20/2018

Pasadena’s acting police chief is dropping “acting” from his title and assuming the position on a permanent basis.

After carefully considering nearly 70 candidates, the choice to promote John Eduardo Perez was clear, said City Manager Steve Mermell. “His knowledge of the city and of its people is certainly germane, but it is his leadership, his innovation and his willingness to work with the community that he serves which ultimately led to his selection.”

Perez has been with the city’s police department for 33 years and has served as the interim chief since April, following Phillip Sanchez’s retirement announcement. He will now head a force of 325 men and women with a budget of $82 million.

The Pasadena Police Department has found itself at the center of controversy in recent years. In September, a former lieutenant pleaded guilty in federal court to an illegal arms deal involving more than 100 firearms. And last year, the department came under fire for the police beating of a black motorist, heightening criticisms of the department by a number of civil rights groups.